Jerry Dewayne Knight was born on December 4th, 1957 to Jerry Dean and Ruth Ann (Gates) Knight, in France. Jerry passed away from this life on December 20th, 2022, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 65.
Jerry graduated high school in 1976 from Pernell High School, where he played football, basketball and baseball. Jerry also met his lifelong friends Rod Hammond and Dewayne Harrel at Pernell. After high school, Jerry attended East Central University, in Ada Oklahoma, graduating in 1981, with a degree in special education, leading to his first job working at the Garvin County CO-OP. Jerry enjoyed the many friendships he developed while working in special education.
In 1984, Jerry chose a new career path, when he and his younger brother Jerald, joined the United States Navy. They shipped off to boot camp in June, 1984. After boot camp, Jerry completed training to become a Quartermaster, working in ships navigation, and was assigned to the USS Duluth LPD6, homeport in San Diego, CA. after 12-month separation, he convinced his brother to join him onboard the USS Duluth. Together they completed a West Pac deployment, and joined the special bond of becoming "Shellbacks", after crossing the Equator on their way to Australia. Everyone who knew Jerry, and heard his tales know how much he treasured his navy adventure. Jerry attained the rank of Petty Officer 2nd class, and was surface warfare qualified.
After leaving the Navy in 1988, Jerry returned to Oklahoma to begin his next career as a Training Specialist II for the Developmental Disabilities Services division of the Okla. Dept of Human Services. Jerry loved his job, as it allowed him to use his experience as a Special Education educator. It also allowed him to meet new people, and travel the State, training an array of classes, to benefit/improve the quality of life for the individuals the agency served in their community services. Jerry retired from the State of Oklahoma after 30 years of service in 2018.
After retirement, Jerry loved spending time with his friends and family. He always looked forward to the annual Memorial Day, Lake Eufaula reunion with his aunts, uncles and many cousins. He and his brothers Dave and Jim would usually get there a week ahead of everyone to set up. Jerry loved to cook/smoke ribs and brisket for his friends and family. During family get togethers, besides supplying the BBQ, he always ensured that this great nieces and nephews had cold soda to drink, earning him the nick-name, "The Soda Man".
His other hobbies and interests included OU Sooner football (many have heard of the RV trip to Orlando) golfing, fishing and his fantasy football league. He loved the yearly competition with his friends.
Jerry is survived by his brothers David Knight, Jimmy Knight, Jerald Knight, and John Sheets of Pauls Valley, and Bill Knight and wife Angel of Pearland Texas. His sisters Jennifer Mathews and husband Ron of Falcon, Colorado, Jeannie Heil of Purcell, Ok., and Denise Martin of Pauls Valley, OK. Nephews Chris Mathews, Derick Knight, Andrew Knight, and Parker Knight. Nieces: Angela Hodges, Brittney Zinn, Lindsey Parks, Jessica Parks, Haley Knight, Jadyn Nunley and a whole host of other family and friends.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parent, Jerry Dean and Ruth Ann (Gates) Knight, nephews Benjamin Knight, and Valton Doss, and Niece Elizabeth Knight.
Funeral Services are pending time for 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the First Church of God in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. You may send condolences to the family at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com